として leading PVD coating machine manufacturer founded in 1992, CGVAC has specialized in vacuum coating technology for over 30 years. With strong in-house R&D capabilities and strict quality control standards, we provide high-precision, high-stability multi-arc vacuum coating machine solutions to customers in over 30 countries. In this article, we break down the six core systems of a CGVAC multi-arc vacuum coating machine to explain the engineering logic behind high-efficiency and stable coating performance.
Vacuum System: The Foundation of PVD Coating Performance
A stable high-vacuum environment is the prerequisite for all PVD coating processes. Insufficient vacuum levels allow oxygen and moisture contamination, leading to blackened coatings, poor adhesion, or peeling. Our multi-arc vacuum coating machines adopt a three-stage vacuum pumping system combined with an intelligent PLC control system, ensuring stable and clean vacuum conditions.
Multi-stage pumping for precise pressure control
- Rough vacuum pump (rotary vane or mechanical pump): rapidly reduces chamber pressure to approximately 10 Pa.
- Roots booster pump: bridges low and high vacuum stages, significantly improving pumping speed.
- High vacuum pump (diffusion pump or molecular pump): achieves ultra-high vacuum levels down to 10-3 Pa.
The system integrates anti-misoperation protection logic to prevent pump damage.
Real-Time Monitoring and Automatic Regulation
High-precision vacuum gauges and high-vacuum valves feed data into the PLC system, dynamically adjusting vacuum parameters to maintain coating purity and consistency.
Arc Source System: The Core Energy Generator
The arc source is the defining component of a multi-arc PVD coating machine. Its performance directly determines metal ionization efficiency and coating stability.
Our customized arc source system combines optimized magnetic field design with high ionization efficiency, making it suitable for both decorative and functional coatings.
Structure and Working Principle
Compatible with titanium, chromium, and other metal targets, the arc source features high-performance magnets, arc ignition pins, and optimized anode structures. A high-current electric arc creates localized high temperatures, instantly vaporizing and ionizing metal targets into plasma.
Ionization efficiency exceeds 95%, which is significantly higher than that of traditional thermal evaporation processes.
Technical Advantages
Through magnetic field simulation and non-balanced magnetic circuit design, CGVAC precisely controls arc movement and stability. As a result:
- Coating surface smoothness improves by up to 40%
- Target utilization reaches approximately 85%
- Material waste and operating costs are significantly reduced
Power Supply System: Precision Control and Energy Management
The power supply system functions as both the “brain” and “muscle” of the coating machine. CGVAC integrates two independently controlled power sources for optimal coating performance.
Dual Power Configuration
- Arc power supply: low voltage, high current (e.g., 20V / 100A) for efficient target evaporation
- Bias power supply: high voltage, low current (-100V to -1000V) to attract ions and enhance coating adhesion
Intelligent PLC Coordination
CGVAC’s proprietary PLC system synchronizes both power supplies through closed-loop feedback control, improving coating adhesion strength by approximately 20% and reducing defects such as peeling or delamination.
Gas Delivery System: Determining Coating Composition and Color
Reactive gases define coating composition, hardness, and color. CGVAC gas delivery systems emphasize precise flow control and flexible gas mixing.
Core Configuration
- High-purity argon, nitrogen, acetylene, and other process gases
- Imported mass flow controllers (MFC) with flow fluctuation ≤ ±1%
Customizable Coating Solutions
By adjusting gas ratios, CGVAC PVD coating machines can produce coatings such as TiN coating (gold), TiCN coating (black), TiAlN coating (super-hard), and other functional or decorative films for sanitary ware, stainless steel, and other industrial components.
Temperature Control System: Operational Safety and Stability
During PVD vacuum coating, chamber temperatures typically range from 200°C to 500°C. Effective thermal management is essential for equipment safety and coating consistency.
Dual Protection Design
Heating system: stainless steel heating elements ensure uniform degassing and process heating with temperature deviation ≤5°C.
Cooling system: chamber wall water circulation combined with arc source water cooling prevents overheating.
The system includes automatic shutdown and alarm mechanisms in case of abnormal temperature fluctuations. CGVAC temperature control solutions integrate plasma-coupled exhaust gas treatment, achieving VOC removal efficiency above 95%.
Transmission System: Ensuring Uniform Coating Thickness
Uniform coating on complex-shaped workpieces requires precise movement control. CGVAC adopts a planetary rotation transmission system to eliminate shadowing effects.
Planetary Rotation Structure
Large carousel rotation combined with individual workpiece rotation ensures consistent distance between arc sources and all surfaces, achieving coating thickness deviation ≤0.5%.
Industrial Application Advantages
For molds with deep cavities with curved surfaces, CGVAC transmission systems enable full-coverage coating. Field data shows tool life improvements of up to 2.5× and wear reduction of approximately 70%.
Why Choose CGVAC Multi-Arc Vacuum Coating Machines?
A high-performance multi-arc vacuum coating machine relies on the coordinated operation of all six core systems. CGVAC integrates vacuum stability, efficient ionization, intelligent power control, precise gas delivery, advanced thermal management, and uniform transmission into one reliable industrial solution.
With proprietary PLC technology, full customization capability, and global installation and lifetime technical support, CGVAC is a trusted vacuum coating machine manufacturer for sanitary ware, jewelry, ceramics, stainless steel, plastics, glass, optics, and industrial components. お問い合わせ today for a customized PVD coating machine, technical consultation, or process optimization solutions to upgrade your production capabilities.
References: WeChat Official Account “PVD Technology Department”, Article “Like dissecting a car, let’s take a look at how a PVD multi-arc coating machine is broken down.”, Original link: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ftgShRFCqgwnDimdKSbGyw
